Anthelmintic Drugs Market Expected to Reach $1.5 Billion by 2032—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Anthelmintic Drugs Market," The anthelmintic drugs market size was valued at $1.0 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $1.5 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2023 to 2032. Anthelmintics are a class of drugs that treat infections caused by parasites called helminths. Helminths can infect humans and cause diseases such as roundworms (ascariasis) and tapeworm (taeniasis) infections, as well as fluke (Schistosomiasis) and other infections.

Anthelmintics work either by killing the parasites directly (vermifuge) or by paralyzing the parasites (vermicides) so that the body can naturally expel the worms. The drugs used to treat helminth infections play an important role not only in the treatment of infected individuals, but also in the prevention of the spread of the infections within the community, thereby reducing the disease burden and improving the overall health outcomes. This contributes to the anthelmintic drugs market share.

The market gaining popularity due to several anthelmintic drugs market trends. The prevalence and impact of anthelmintic infections in developing countries is high, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water. Helminth infections often affect a large proportion of the population, particularly children, and can lead to malnutrition, stunting, anemia and other health problems. Therefore, there is an increased need for anthelmintics to treat these infections and reduce the associated health burden.  

The recurrent nature of an anthelmintic infection is also a major concern. Even after initial treatment, people living in environments with long-term exposure to contaminated water and soil are at high risk for re-infection, so there is an ongoing need for anthelmintic medications to treat existing infections and prevent future infections. Health education campaigns to promote proper hygiene practices, combined with the use of anthelmintics, are essential strategies to address these recurrent infections and reduce the impact on the affected population.   

On the basis of drug class, the anthelmintic drugs market analysis is done as benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones, pyrazinoisoquinolones, tetrahydropyrimidines and others. The benzimidazoles segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2022, owing to the easy availability of medications belonging to the benzimidazole class. In addition, medications such as albendazole, and mebendazole are the first line treatment for large number of infections, hence are in high demand in the market. These medications are used in treatment of Ascariasis (Roundworm), Trichuriasis (Whipworm), Hookworm Infections, Enterobiasis (Pinworm), Strongyloidiasis and other infections. This contributes to the segment growth.  

On the other hand, the macrocyclic lactones segment is anticipated to be the fastest growing segment during the anthelmintic drugs market forecast period. The growth of the segment is mainly attributed to the adoption of ivermectin medication for treatment of parasitic infections. In addition, ivermectin generic drugs are available at an affordable cost which is highly accessible to the people in developing countries which also contributes to the market growth.   

On the basis of infection type, the market is segmented into nematode infections, cestode infections, trematode infections and mixed infections. The nematode infections segment held a largest anthelmintic drugs market share and is anticipated to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period. Nematode infections are a growing health problem around the world. Several environmental and socioeconomic factors have contributed to this rise. Poor hygiene, and lack of clean water, have contributed to the spread of nematodes in many parts of the world. This rise in nematode infections is highlighting the urgent need for proper healthcare services and medications to reduce the spread and severity of these parasites. This is contributing to the segment growth. 

On the basis of distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, drug stores & retail pharmacies and online providers. The drug stores & retail pharmacies segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2022. Anthelmintics are easily available to consumers at drug stores or retail pharmacies and this ease of access to these drugs is a major factor in the segment's growth. In addition, people who need treatment for helminth infections are able obtain medications without  a prescription. 

On the other hand, the online providers segment is anticipated to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period. The online providers segment is expected to grow rapidly due to the growing popularity of e-commerce and the ease of buying medications online. Anthelmintic drugs can be purchased online without having to go to a physical store or pharmacy. Ease of order, home delivery, wider product range, and often competitive prices are some of the reasons why people choose to buy anthelmintics online. In addition, advances in technology and the increasing digitization of healthcare services have also increased consumer confidence in online pharmacies. The current global pandemic has further accelerated the shift to online shopping, including for pharmaceuticals, as people prioritize safety and convenience. 

On the basis of region, North America dominated the anthelmintic drugs market size in 2022 and is anticipated to remain dominant during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the rise in healthcare expenditure and the implementation of governmental initiatives aimed at modernizing healthcare infrastructure. In addition, a strong regulatory framework guarantees the safety and quality of pharmaceuticals, building consumer trust and stimulating market growth. The combination of increased healthcare spending, cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure, cutting-edge research, and government support helps North America remain at the forefront of the global anthelmintic drugs market, maintaining its leadership throughout the forecast period. 

On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to be the fastest growing region during the forecast period. The growth in this region is mainly attributed to high incidences of parasitic infections particularly in developing countries where sanitation and healthcare services are scarce. In addition, the high population base, rising healthcare expenditure and rising awareness among the population for early infection diagnosis and treatment are also contributing to the anthelmintic drugs industry growth in this region. 

    Key findings of the study  

• By drug class, the benzimidazoles segment was the highest contributor to the market in 2022. 

• By infection type, the nematode infections segment dominated the market in 2022. 

• By distribution channel, the drug stores & retail pharmacies segment was the highest contributor to the anthelmintic drugs industry in 2022. 

• Region wise, North America generated the largest revenue in 2022, whereas Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.